Daily Readings - Tue Sep 19 2023
1 Timothy
1The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.2Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,3not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.4He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,5for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.7Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.8Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.9They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.10And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.11Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.12Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.13For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Luke
11Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him.12As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her.13And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep."14Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise."15And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.16Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!"17And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound reflections on leadership and compassion. The first reading from 1 Timothy outlines the qualities required for church leaders, emphasizing integrity, hospitality, and humility. These traits are not just ideals but essential for guiding the community with wisdom and grace. The second reading from Luke presents Jesus as the embodiment of compassionate leadership, as He raises the widow's son, demonstrating His divine power and deep empathy.
The connection between these readings lies in the essence of true leadership. Jesus' act of compassion in Luke's Gospel exemplifies the qualities listed in 1 Timothy. Both highlight the importance of leading with integrity and serving with mercy. Jesus, through His actions, shows that leadership is not about power but about serving others with love and humility.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we lead and serve. Whether in our families, communities, or workplaces, we are called to emulate Christ's example. By leading with compassion and integrity, we can create environments of trust and care. Let us strive to follow Jesus' example, remembering that true leadership is about serving others with humility and grace.